Adam Eckfeldt

Adam Eckfeldt
2nd Chief Coiner of the United States Mint at Philadelphia
In office February 15, 1814 – March 15, 1839
President	James Madison James Monroe John Quincy Adams Andrew Jackson Martin Van Buren
Preceded by	Henry Voigt
Succeeded by	Franklin Peale
Personal details
Born	John Adam Eckfeldt (1769-06-15)June 15, 1769 Philadelphia, Province of Pennsylvania, British America
Died	February 6, 1852(1852-02-06) (aged 82) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Spouses	Maria Hahn (died) Margaretta Baush
Children	Sarah (all children by Margaretta) Jacob R. Anna Mary M. Elias B. Susannah Adam C. Margaretta

John Adam Eckfeldt (June 15, 1769 – February 6, 1852) was an American worker and official during the first years of the United States Mint. A lifelong Philadelphian, Eckfeldt served as the second chief coiner of the Mint, from 1814 until 1839.

Eckfeldt's father owned a large smithy and involved himself in early attempts at American coinage. Adam Eckfeldt built early presses for the Mint, engraved some of its early dies, and was responsible for the designs of early American copper coinage, as well as the 1792 half disme which some authorities consider the first United States coin. He was appointed assistant coiner of the Mint in 1796, and became chief coiner on his predecessor's death in 1814.

Eckfeldt served a quarter century as chief coiner, during which time the Philadelphia Mint moved to new premises. As he set aside unusual coins brought in as bullion, he started the Mint's coin cabinet, which evolved into the National Numismatic Collection. Even after his 1839 retirement, Eckfeldt continued to perform the duties of chief coiner; his death in 1852 caused his replacement, Franklin Peale, to seek an assistant.